Effect of Parkland Ziziphus spina-christi and Mangifera indica Trees on Selected Physicochemical Properties of Soil in Sofi District, Harari Region, Ethiopia
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55927/marcopolo.v3i11.191Keywords:
Agroforestry, Open Field, Soil Fertility, Trees Canopy, ParklandAbstract
The study was intended to investigate the effects of parkland Mangifera indica and Ziziphus spina-christi trees species on the selected physicochemical properties of soil within and outside the canopy of the tree and at varying soil depths in Sofi district, Harari Region, Ethiopia. Accordingly, twelve trees isolated and nearly similar M. indica and Z. spina-christi trees in crop field growing on similar site conditions, management practices, canopy coverage and height were selected. Soil samples were collected from under the canopy of trees, edge of canopy, outside of the canopy and three soil depth; 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm and 40-60 cm for analysis of selected soil physicochemical properties. The result of the study revealed that lower soil bulk density was observed under trees canopy and surface soil of both tree species than open field and subsurface soil (p<0.01), While soil water content at FC, PWP and AWHC were significantly (p<0.01) higher on subsurface than surface soil and under canopy of trees than open fields. However, no significant differences were observed in the texture and pH of soil (p>0.05). Soil EC, SOC, SCS, TN, AP and CEC were significantly (p<0.01) higher under the trees canopy than open field and on the surface than subsurface soil for both trees species in sorghum field. Thus, the finding suggests that retaining these important trees species with proper management on farmland improve and maintain soil fertility and reduce chemical fertilizer amendments.
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